Description of a Session
A basic hands-on Reiki session involves the client either resting on a massage table or sitting in a chair fully clothed while the practitioner places his/her hands on designated positions on the body. A complete hands-on Reiki treatment lasts approximately one hour. The traditional Usui form for a session involves the gentle laying-on-of-hands in 12 to 13 positions. These positions include four to five hand placements on the head and shoulders, four on the chest and abdomen, and four on the back. In some traditions, knees, ankles and feet are also touched. Each of the positions reflects a placement of hands that people use naturally (and universally) to comfort themselves in times of stress and illness. Hand positions are maintained for approximately 3 to 5 five minutes in each location. Clients often report feeling warmth or tingling coming from the practitioners hands. People receiving Reiki frequently fall asleep during a treatment.

Course of Treatment
The number of sessions involved in a course of treatment varies with the condition being treated and the clients progress. The frequency and length of treatment should always be agreed upon by both client and provider.

Side Effects
No adverse side effects have been associated with Reiki. Most often, clients report feeling relaxed and often fall asleep during a session. Occasionally, a client may experience an emotional release, but generally are not tense or anxious after the treatment.

Safety Issues
Generally Reiki is a safe and relaxing form of therapy. It may not, however, be an appropriate form of treatment for those suffering with severe psychological conditions or traumas since disturbing images and feelings could arise. In addition, Reiki is not intended to be used to diagnose illness. While many physicians are learning and practicing Reiki, most Reiki practitioners are not doctors and therefore cannot legally diagnose illnesses.

Other Modalities That Work Well With Reiki
In most cases, Reiki can be used while a client is undergoing other treatments. Because Reiki promotes stress reduction, it may enhance the effectiveness of other therapies. However, it may be contraindicated if the client is using homeopathic preparations. It is always best to let your physician know what alternative approaches you are using.

Reiki practitioners often combine other modalities with a treatment. The traditional Usui method of Reiki involves healing touch only and usually does not incorporate other healing approaches during therapy. However, many Reiki practitioners combine their work with other modalities like massage, aromatherapy, sound therapy and crystal work. Clients seeking a Reiki practitioner should ask what other modalities, if any, will be used during the treatment and should work only with a practitioner with whom they are comfortable.